Financial security is often overlooked in discussions about domestic violence, but it plays a significant role in helping survivors rebuild their lives. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 10 million people experience physical abuse by an intimate partner each year, and nearly 85 percent of women return to their abusers due to economic dependence. Financial abuse is present in 99 percent of domestic violence cases and includes tactics such as limiting access to assets, hiding financial information, damaging credit, or interfering with employment.
Insurance can be a key tool for survivors seeking independence. Policies covering homes, rentals, vehicles, and life insurance help protect survivors from financial shocks that could otherwise force them back into unsafe environments. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) recommends that survivors secure their financial records, build a safety net, review and update insurance policies as needed, and maintain good credit to support long-term stability.
The Allstate Foundation has focused on the financial aspects of domestic violence since 2005. Its initiatives include the Moving Ahead Workbook, a five-module program designed to guide survivors from immediate safety to long-term security by addressing financial abuse awareness, credit basics, foundational financial skills, and planning for the future. In 2025, Allstate launched its Survivor Empowerment Network at the Forbes Power Women Summit to provide employers with resources to support employees experiencing abuse.
"Employers have a powerful opportunity to create a place of safety and support for survivors of domestic violence," said Sharisse Kimbro, relationship abuse program officer at The Allstate Foundation, during her remarks at the 2025 Forbes Power Women Summit. She also noted that domestic violence results in the loss of 8 million workdays each year.
Digital abuse is an increasing concern for survivors. Abusers may use technology to monitor communications or steal passwords, adding another layer of risk and instability. Financial literacy and insurance protections are essential for survivors facing these evolving threats.
In October, Triple-I and The Allstate Foundation are collaborating to highlight how financial empowerment and literacy are crucial for helping survivors achieve safer futures. They emphasize that survivors need not only physical safety but also economic tools and confidence to rebuild their lives free from abuse.
Resources are available for those seeking assistance:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
- The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Workbook
- The Allstate Foundation’s Survivor Empowerment Network – Resources for Employers
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